ASHFORD – Visitors will be able to walk, bike or ski into the southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park beginning Saturday, but they’ll have to leave their motor vehicles outside the flood-damaged park, which has been closed since early November.
Business owners in Ashford and other areas near the park’s southwest entrance persuaded park officials to allow visitors to hike up State Route 706, the main route through the park, to the Boundary Trail and West Side Road.
The state highway, which runs alongside the Nisqually River at lower elevations, was washed out during the flooding and three sections must be repaired before vehicle traffic can return. Park officials say access to Longmire and Paradise will remain closed until at least March.
Officials closed the park Nov. 6, when 18 inches of rain fell in 36 hours, swamping roads and bridges and cutting power and sewer lines. It was the park’s first closure since nearby Mount St. Helens’ massive May 18, 1980, eruption, and the shutdown has been the longest at Mount Rainier since all national parks were closed during World War II.
Park officials have estimated damages at nearly $30 million. The park has already spent $791,000 on repairs and is waiting for Congress to approve money to cover the rest of the damage.
The limited reopening won’t give tourists access to the park’s popular winter locations like Paradise, but Ashford businesses are happy with the park’s holiday gift to them.
“I think the park has done a good thing for us,” said Jeremy Foust, president of the Mount Rainier Visitor Association.
The West Side Road – a mile hike from the park entrance – is popular for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, but skiers are still waiting for snow on the road. The road is one of only three areas in the park where mountain bikes are allowed.
Park spokeswoman Lee Taylor said bikers will be permitted to ride up the Nisqually Road to the West Side Road, but will not be allowed on other trails.
The usual $15 park entry fee will be waived during the limited access program.
The steep Boundary Trial is described by park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga as being “in rough shape and is only recommended for people in good physical condition.”
More suitable for children and less hardy souls will be daily interpretive walks starting at the Nisqually Entrance, also beginning Saturday. The walks will tour the flood damage. On Sundays, longer walking tours will go to the West Side Road.
The park also is considering snowshoe tours on the West Side Road if weather and vehicle access allows.
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